You people are from your father the devil, and you want to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.
John 8:44 NET
Who is the devil? The name itself means false accuser or slanderer. Jesus is likely referring here to Genesis 3:1-5 and the serpent’s deception of Eve. Jesus called him a murderer and a liar. In Eve’s temptation, the serpent did not directly murder her, but his deceptive lie led to her death nonetheless.
In this verse’s context, Jesus painted a contrast between himself and the devil. Jesus was telling them the truth, but they were listening to the lies of the devil.
Jesus was not saying this to immoral people who had rejected God. These words were directed to folks who believed that they were right with God and rigorously followed the Law and the traditions that had been passed down to them. They were good people.
But, in rejecting what Jesus had to say to them, they demonstrated that, regardless of their outward appearances, they were children of the devil. The devil’s lies had deceived them into believing they had no need of Jesus.
What lies does he tell us? He might tell us that we should seek our own happiness first. He might be telling us that we are good enough. Or even that we are better than other folks. He might even tell us that it is enough to have a casual relationship with God—attending church and participating in some of its activities.
The devil is quite content with us being good people, even religious people who go to church and say all the right things. Just so long as we do not take Jesus’ words seriously. Will you listen to the devil’s lies? Or will you listen to and obey the truth that Jesus brings to us—trusting in him as your Lord and Savior?
